Artificial masonry unit, a masonry wall, a kit and a method for forming a masonry wall

ABSTRACT

An artificial masonry unit suitable for use with a panel made of a compressible material having masonry unit receiving depressions in a front face thereof and protruding ribs defining and bordering the depressions. The depressions are sized to receive respective artificial masonry units in a close-fitting relationship. The artificial masonry unit comprises a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face providing a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face. A tooth projection is projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge for thrusting into the protruding rib when the masonry unit is inserted in a respective depression. Thanks to the tooth projection that is thrusting into the rib of a respective depression and that helps retaining the masonry unit within the depression prior to mortaring the wall, there is no need for using a mixture of cement to temporarily retain the masonry units within the depression. A method and a kit for making a masonry wall with the above described masonry unit is also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of masonry works and installations. More particularly, it concerns an artificial masonry unit suitable for use with a panel having depressions adapted to receive masonry units so as to form a masonry wall with a predetermined pattern of stonework or brickwork.

PRIOR ART

Already known in the prior art, there is the panel system disclosed in the prior PCT application PCT/CA02/00748 in the name of the Applicant, which system makes it possible to easily and rapidly make an artificial masonry wall that looks like a conventional and natural masonry wall. For that, the system makes use of panels similar to the ones shown in FIG. 1. These panels (1), which are typically made of foam, comprise, in a front face thereof, masonry unit receiving depressions (2) and protruding ribs (4) defining and bordering the depressions (2), which are sized to receive respective artificial masonry units (5) in a close-fitting relationship. Usually, when a masonry wall is made using such panels (1), a mixture of adhesive cement is applied into each depression (2) prior to the insertion of masonry units (5) therein. When a masonry unit has been inserted in each of the depressions (2), the masonry units (5) are mortared together, using any type of mortar known in the art. The mixture of adhesive helps retaining the masonry units into the depressions until the whole structure is mortared.

As can be easily understood, the use of such mixture of cement to temporarily retain the masonry units is time consuming, unhandy and messy.

The following prior art documents provide other examples of wall construction using panels and/or masonry units: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,339,489; 3,238,589; 3,350,827; 3,435,577; 3,496,694; 3,521,418; 3,712,825; 3,884,737; 3,908,326; 4,433,518; 4,510,729; 4,589,241; 4,656,722; 4,858,410; 5,009,387; 5,228,937; 5,232,608; 5,232,646; 5,232,646 (re-examined); 5,386,963; 5,459,938; 5,501,049; 5,570,551; 5,632,922; 5,836,572; 5,839,251; 5,855,075; 5,894,676; 6,041,567; 6,164,037; and RE 35,380.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome that drawback, the present invention provides an artificial masonry unit suitable for use with a panel, preferably made of a compressible material. The panel has masonry unit receiving depressions in a front face thereof and protruding ribs defining and bordering the depressions which are sized to receive respective artificial masonry units in a close-fitting relationship. Each of the artificial masonry units comprises a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face providing a thickness to the unit. The unit further comprises a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face, and a tooth projection projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge for thrusting into the protruding rib when the masonry unit is inserted in a respective depression.

Thanks to the tooth projection that is thrusting into the rib of a respective depression and that helps retaining the masonry unit within the depression prior to mortaring the wall, there is no more need for using a mixture of cement to temporarily retain the masonry units within the depression. A masonry unit according to the invention thus helps a professional, and also unskilled persons, to even more easily and rapidly construct a masonry work having the look of a traditional masonry work made by highly skilled artisans.

According to another aspect, the present invention also provides a masonry wall covering a building surface and comprising a plurality of panels mounted side by side on the building surface. Each one of the panels comprises a back face covering the building surface, and a front face with a plurality of depressions defined and bordered by protruding ribs. The depressions are shaped and sized to receive respective artificial masonry units. The masonry wall further comprises a plurality of artificial masonry units as defined above inserted into the depressions, and a mortar material binding the masonry units together.

Preferably, the masonry wall comprises a plurality of wall-ties for securing the masonry wall to the building surface. Each of the wall-ties consists of a generally L-shaped bracket mounted in a corner of a respective one of the depressions of the panel between the masonry unit inserted therein and the respective depression, the corner being defined by a bottom face and the rib of the depression. The L-shaped bracket comprises a first flange screwed to both the bottom face of the depression and the building surface; and a second flange extending at right angle to the first flange along the rib. The second flange has an end projecting out of the depression. This end is embedded in the mortar material.

According to further aspects, the present invention provides a kit and a method for making a masonry wall as defined above.

The kit comprises:

-   -   a set of panels to be mounted side by side on the building         surface, each one of the panels comprising:         -   a back face for covering the building surface; and         -   a front face with a plurality of depressions defined and             bordered by protruding ribs, the depressions being shaped             and sized to receive respective artificial masonry units;     -   a set of artificial masonry units as defined above to be         inserted and retained into said depressions; and     -   mortar material for binding the masonry units together.

In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the kit further comprises a set of wall-ties as defined above, for securing the masonry wall to the building surface.

The method for making a masonry wall according to the present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   a) mounting side by side, on a building surface, a plurality of         panels as defined above;     -   b) providing a set of artificial masonry units as defined above;     -   c) inserting, in each of the depressions, one of the artificial         masonry units and retaining the unit by thrusting the tooth         projection into the adjacent protruding rib of the respective         depression; and     -   d) mortaring the masonry units.

Preferably, the method comprises, before step c), the steps of tying the masonry wall to the building surface, which comprises the steps of:

-   -   mounting, in a corner of a plurality of the depressions, a         generally L-shaped bracket as defined above; and     -   screwing the brackets to both the panel and the building         surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a section of a wall where a first panel is installed, and where a second panel and an artificial masonry unit as in the prior art are about to be installed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an artificial masonry unit according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, viewed from the front.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an artificial masonry unit according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, viewed from the front.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the masonry unit of FIG. 3 along line IV-IV.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first variant of a panel having a plurality of depressions adapted to receive masonry units according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a second variant of a panel having a plurality of depressions adapted to receive masonry units according to the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the depressions of the panel shown in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are cross section views of an artificial masonry unit according to the invention being inserted in a depression of either one of the panels of FIGS. 5 and 6 and showing in FIG. 8 b) the projecting tooth of the unit thrusting into the rib of the depression.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a wall-tie bracket used with a preferred embodiment of the invention for securing the masonry wall to the building surface.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the panel shown in FIG. 5, showing the wall-tie bracket of FIG. 9 mounted in a corner of a depression.

FIG. 11 is a cross section view of an artificial masonry unit as shown in FIG. 2 inserted in a depression of either one of the panels of FIGS. 5 and 6, showing how the masonry wall is secured to the building surface by means of the wall-tie bracket of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an accessory holding bracket that can be used with a panel system according to the invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross section view of a masonry unit of another preferred embodiment of the invention.

LIST OF THE NUMERAL REFERENCES

-   1 panel -   2 masonry unit receiving depressions -   4 ribs -   5 prior art masonry units -   6 corner of depression -   7 back face of panel -   8 bottom face of depression -   9 front face of panel -   10 masonry unit according to the invention -   11 body of the unit -   12 front face -   13 back face -   14 back peripheral edge -   15 top face -   17 bottom face -   19 side faces -   20 tooth projection -   22 reinforcing structure -   23 groove -   30 compressible projections of the panel -   40 masonry wall -   42 building surface -   43 mortar material -   44 wall-ties (also referred as L-shaped brackets) -   46 first flange of the bracket -   47 screw receiving hole -   48 second flange of the bracket -   49 screw -   50 end of the second flange (also referred to as the extension) -   52 hooks on the bracket -   54 accessory bracket -   56 front face of bracket -   57 back face of bracket -   58 hook of the accessory bracket -   60 ledge of bracket

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals and in order to lighten the figures, some elements are not referred to in some figures if they were already identified in a previous figure.

Referring to either one of FIGS. 2, 3 or 13, an artificial masonry unit (10) according to the invention comprises a body (11) with a front face (12), a back face (13) and a lateral face which divides into four edge faces including a top face (15), a bottom face (17), and two opposite side faces (19). The front face (12) is the face that is still visible to people once the artificial masonry unit (10) has been inserted in a masonry unit receiving depression (2) of a panel (1). The masonry unit (10) is characterized in that it further comprises a tooth projection (20) projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge (14) for thrusting into the protruding rib (4) of the depression (2) when the masonry unit (10) is inserted in a respective depression (2).

As best shown in FIG. 8, the tooth projection (20) thrusts into the rib (4) of the depression (2), and thereby helps retaining the masonry unit (10) within the depression (2) prior to mortaring the whole structure. There is no more need for using a mixture of cement to temporarily retain the masonry units (10) within the depression (2).

The tooth projection (20) is preferably a ridge-shaped projection spanning the top face (15) of the unit (10). More preferably, the tooth projection (20) is projecting from the back edge (14) of the unit (10).

In accordance with the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the masonry unit (10) comprises a series of spaced reinforcing structures (22) along the tooth projection (20) to prevent the same from being chipped off, as for example, during handling and shipping. Preferably, each of the reinforcing structures (22) has the shape of a sloping projection. This first preferred embodiment, with its natural stone look, is preferably used with the panel (1) of FIG. 5, which is adapted to build a stonework.

In accordance with the second preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a groove (23) is extending along the tooth projection (20). This preferred embodiment, with its brick look, is preferably used with the panel (1) of FIG. 6, which is adapted to build a brickwork.

As shown in either one of FIGS. 2, 3 or 13, the tooth projection (20) is preferably projecting from the top face (15) of the unit (10). It is however worth mentioning that in another embodiment of the invention, not illustrated, it may project from the side faces (19) or from both the top face (15) and the side faces (19), as long as it is adapted to retain the masonry unit (10) and prevent the same from falling out of the depression (2).

Panels (1) suitable for use with masonry units (10) according to the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The panel (1) shown in FIG. 5 is used for making a stonework and the panel (1) of FIG. 6 is used for making a brickwork. Each of these panels (1) has a front face (9) with masonry unit receiving depressions (2) each adapted to receive a respective masonry unit (10). These panels (1) are preferably made of foam, or any compressible material. The foam preferably used has no memory, meaning that once it has been compressed, it does not regain its original shape. The tooth projection (20) provided on the lateral face (15, 19) of the unit is thus important to retain the unit within the depression. Because the foam has no memory, a simple angled lateral face would not be suitable for retaining the unit (10) in a respective depression (2).

Referring to FIG. 5, a predetermined pattern of depressions (2) is cut in the front face (9) of the panel (1) in a staggered fashion, to provide a masonry wall that looks like a stonework, whereas the depressions (2) of the panel (1) shown in FIG. 6 are linear, so as to provide a masonry wall that looks like a brickwork.

Preferably, the depressions (2) are pre-cut in the panel (1), or pre-moulded, as the panel (1) is being moulded. They are shaped to fit artificial masonry units (10) as described above, either bricks or pre-cast concrete simile-stones or masonry pieces made of plastic. The depressions (2) may have a symmetrical shape, for example rectangular, or an irregular shape to fit the natural curved outline of a stone. More preferably, the masonry units are pre-cast concrete simile-stones having predetermined shapes and sizes.

In accordance with a preferred aspect, best shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the panel (1) comprises a series of compressible projections (30) made of a resilient material projecting from the ribs (4) outlining the depressions (2). The compressible projections (30) are adapted to cooperate with the tooth projections (20) provided on the masonry units (10) to temporarily retain these pieces (10) within the depressions (2) before they have been bound together with the mortar.

Referring to FIG. 7, the compressible projections (30) are preferably projecting from a top rib (4) of each depression (2).

Turning now to FIG. 8, when a masonry unit (10) is inserted into a depression (2), the side wall of the rib (4) or the above-defined optional compressible projections (30) of the panel (1), are compressed by the tooth projections (20) provided on the masonry unit (10). Furthermore, thanks to the fact that the tooth projection is located near and parallel to the back edge (14) of the unit (10), the unit (10) is held tight within each depression (2).

The compressible projections (30) of the panel (1) are formed during the cutting or the moulding of the depressions (2), whereas the tooth projections (20) of the masonry unit (10) are preferably moulded with the same.

Referring to FIG. 11, the masonry wall (40) according to the invention comprises masonry units (10) as described above inserted in the depressions (2) of the panels (1) described above mounted side by side on a building surface (42). The units (10) are mortared together by means of conventional mortar material (43). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the wall (40) further comprises a plurality of wall-ties (44) for securing the masonry wall (40) to the building surface (42). Referring more particularly to FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the wall-ties (44) consists of a generally L-shaped bracket (44) mounted in a corner (6) of a respective one of the depressions (2) of the panel (1) between the masonry unit (10) inserted therein and the respective depression (2). The L-shaped bracket (44) comprises a first flange (46), provided with a screw receiving hole (47), screwed to the bottom face (8) of the depression (2) and the building surface (42), and a second flange (48) extending at right angle to the first flange (46) along the rib (4). The second flange (48) has an end (50), also referred herein as an extension, projecting out of the depression (2). This extension (50) is embedded in the mortar material (43).

Preferably, the bracket (44) further comprises at least one hook (52), more preferably two, which extends at right angle to the first flange (46) in a direction opposite to the second flange (48). Thanks to these hooks (52) which are insertable in the panel (1), it is possible to install at once all the brackets required, and then to install the masonry units (10) in the depressions (2).

Referring to FIG. 12, an accessory bracket (54) that can be used with the above system is illustrated. This bracket (54) which comprises hooks (58) projecting from a back face (57) thereof, and a front face (56) with a ledge (60), can be used to retain a masonry unit (10) on a planar surface of a panel (1) where there are no depressions (2). To this end, the front face (56) and the ledge (60) are covered with a bonding material such as glue. Thus, in order to install a masonry unit (10) on a planar foam panel (1), the accessory bracket (54) is hooked to the panel (1) and the masonry unit (10) is bonded to the front face (56) of the bracket (54).

The present invention also concerns a method for making a masonry wall (40) covering a building surface (42). The method comprises the steps of:

-   -   a) mounting side by side on the building surface (42) a         plurality of panels (1), each one of the panels (1) having a         front face (9) with a plurality of depressions (2) defined and         bordered by protruding ribs (4), the depressions (2) being         shaped and sized to receive respective artificial masonry units         (10);     -   b) providing a set of artificial masonry units (10) as defined         above;     -   c) inserting in each of the depressions (2) one of the         artificial masonry unit (10) and securing the unit (10) by         thrusting the tooth projection (20) into the adjacent protruding         rib (4) of the respective depression (2); and     -   d) mortaring the masonry units (10).

Preferably, the method further comprises, before step c), the step of tying the masonry wall (40) to the building surface (42). Referring to FIG. 10, this tying step comprises the steps of:

-   -   mounting, in a corner (6) of a plurality of the depressions (2),         a generally L-shaped bracket (44), as described above and shown         in FIG. 9; and     -   screwing the brackets (44) to both the panel (1) and the         building surface (42).

The present invention also concerns a kit for making a masonry wall (40) on a building surface (42), the kit comprising:

-   -   a set of panels (1) to be mounted side by side on the building         surface (42), each one of the panels comprising:     -   a back face (7) for covering the building surface (42); and     -   a front face (9) with a plurality of depressions (2) defined and         bordered by protruding ribs (4), the depressions (2) being         shaped and sized to receive respective artificial masonry units         (10);     -   a set of artificial masonry units (10) as defined above to be         inserted and retained into said depressions (2); and     -   mortar material (43) for binding the masonry units (10)         together.

Preferably, the kit further comprises a set of wall-ties (44) as defined above.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

As for example, the unit according to the invention may also be used with a stencil panel, that is to say a panel wherein the depressions are bottomless. In such a case the ribs defining the depressions comprise a groove matable with the tooth projection of the masonry unit. 

1. An artificial masonry unit suitable for use with a panel having masonry unit receiving depressions in a front face thereof and protruding ribs defining and bordering said depressions, said depressions being sized to receive respective artificial masonry units in a close-fitting relationship, said artificial masonry unit comprising: a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face providing a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face; and a tooth projection projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge for thrusting into the protruding rib when the masonry unit is inserted in a respective depression.
 2. An artificial masonry unit according to claim 1, having a rectangular shape and wherein the lateral face divides into a top face, a bottom face and two opposite side faces.
 3. An artificial masonry unit according to claim 2, wherein the tooth projection is projecting from at least one of the top face and side faces.
 4. An artificial masonry unit according to claim 3, wherein the tooth projection is a ridge-shaped projection spanning said at least one of the top face and side faces.
 5. An artificial masonry unit according to claim 4, wherein the tooth projection is spanning the top face.
 6. An artificial masonry unit according to claim 5, wherein the tooth projection is projecting from the back edge of the unit.
 7. An artificial masonry unit according to claim 6, comprising a groove extending along the tooth projection.
 8. An artificial masonry unit according to claim 4, comprising a series of spaced reinforcing structures along the tooth projection to prevent the tooth projection from being chipped off.
 9. An artificial masonry unit according to claim 8, wherein each of the reinforcing structures has the shape of a sloping projection.
 10. A masonry wall covering a building surface, comprising: a plurality of panels mounted side by side on the building surface, each panel comprising: a back face covering the building surface; and a front face with a plurality of depressions defined and bordered by protruding ribs, said depressions being shaped and sized to receive respective artificial masonry units; a plurality of artificial masonry units inserted into said depressions, each artificial masonry unit comprising: a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face that provides a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face, each of said masonry units further comprising: a tooth projection projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge, said tooth projection thrusting into an adjacent protruding rib of a respective one of said depressions; and mortar material binding the masonry units together.
 11. A masonry wall as claimed in claim 10, comprising a plurality of wall-ties for securing the masonry wall to the building surface, each of said wall-ties consisting of a generally L-shaped bracket mounted in a corner of a respective one of said depressions of the panel between the masonry unit inserted therein and the respective depression, said corner being defined by a bottom face and the rib of the depression, said L-shaped bracket comprising: a first flange screwed to the bottom face of the depression and the building surface; and a second flange extending at right angle to the first flange along the rib and having an end projecting out of the depression embedded in the mortar material.
 12. A masonry wall as claimed in claim 11, wherein said bracket comprises: at least one hook extending at right angle to the first flange in a direction opposite to the second flange, said hook being inserted in the panel.
 13. A kit for making a masonry wall on a building surface, the kit comprising: a set of panels to be mounted side by side on the building surface, each one of said panels comprising: a back face for covering the building surface; and a front face with a plurality of depressions defined and bordered by protruding ribs, said depressions being shaped and sized to receive respective artificial masonry units; a set of artificial masonry units to be inserted and secured into said depressions, each one of said artificial masonry units comprising: a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face that provides a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face, each one of said masonry units further comprising: a tooth projection projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge so that when each one of said masonry units is inserted into a respective one of said depressions, each one of said tooth projections thrusts into an adjacent protruding rib of a respective one of said depressions and is secured in place; and mortar material for binding the masonry units together.
 14. A kit as claimed in claim 13, comprising: a set of wall-ties for securing the masonry wall to the building surface, each of said wall-ties comprising: a generally L-shaped bracket to be mounted in a corner of a respective one of said depressions of the panel between the masonry unit inserted therein and the respective depression, said corner being defined by a bottom face and the rib of the depression, said L-shaped bracket comprising: a) a first flange screwable to the bottom face of the depression and the building surface; and b) a second flange extending at right angle to the first flange along the rib and having an end devised to project out of the depression and to be embedded in the mortar material when a masonry unit is inserted in the depression and mortared.
 15. A method for making a masonry wall covering a building surface, comprising the steps of: a) mounting side by side on said building surface a plurality of panels, each one of said panels having a front face with a plurality of depressions defined and bordered by protruding ribs, said depressions being shaped and sized to receive respective artificial masonry units; b) providing a set of artificial masonry units, each unit comprising: a body bounded by a front face, a back face, and a lateral face that provides a thickness to the unit, and a back peripheral edge joining the back face and the lateral face, each one of said masonry units further comprising: a tooth projection projecting from the lateral face next to and parallel to the back peripheral edge so that when each one of said masonry units is inserted into a respective one of said depressions, each one of said tooth projections is thrusting into an adjacent protruding rib of a respective one of said depressions; c) inserting in each of said depressions one of said artificial masonry unit and retaining said unit by thrusting the tooth projection into the adjacent protruding rib of the respective depression; and d) mortaring the masonry units.
 16. A method according to claim 15, comprising, before step c), the step of tying the masonry wall to the building surface, comprising the steps of: mounting in a corner of a plurality of said depressions a generally L-shaped bracket, said corner being defined by a bottom face and a rib of the depressions, said bracket comprising: a first flange screwable to the bottom face of the depression and the building surface; and a second flange extending at right angle to the first flange along the rib and having an end devised to project out of the depression and to be embedded in the mortar material; and screwing said brackets to the panel and the building surface. 